A new research project is set to help improve aged care for Stolen Generations survivors by using truth-telling to better support Elders and their families.
Led by researchers from Murdoch University and Australian National University, alongside Yokai Healing Our Spirit and Uniting Church Homes, the project will work directly with communities to create truth-telling resources for aged care providers.
Backed by a $250,000 Australian Research Council grant, researchers will partner with Stolen Generations survivors to co-design resources that help aged care services better understand their experiences and provide culturally safe support.
Associate Professor Jenna Woods, Dean of Murdoch University's School of Indigenous Knowledges and a chief investigator on the project, said the work would be led by community voices from start to finish.
"This project is led by mob from beginning to end, shaped by community priorities, strengthened by community knowledge and driven by community impact," the Wardandi and Noongar woman said.
"We are committed to ensuring our Elders receive the culturally grounded care they deserve."
Truth-telling involves openly sharing histories and personal experiences, particularly those relating to injustices experienced by First Nations peoples. Researchers say the process can support healing while helping to address misunderstandings and gaps in knowledge.
The project comes as concerns continue about the experiences of First Nations people in aged care.
A 2024 report by Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly — who will end her tenure in the role at the end of this month — found many services remained culturally unsafe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"I listened to stories of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people not being valued or respected across the system, including by assessors and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC)," Ms Kelly said at the time.
"I heard consistently that the lack of cultural safety is the primary deterrent for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people not accessing aged care."
The report also found many Stolen Generations survivors felt uncomfortable in institutional settings and preferred to receive care at home or within their communities wherever possible.
"While there is a commitment from government under the National Agreement to build and strengthen the ACCO [Aboriginal Community-Controlled Sector] sector, there is a long way to go before Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a choice to access an ACCO for aged care services," Ms Kelly wrote.
"In the meantime, there is a role for governments to support and encourage partnerships between ACCOs and mainstream service providers and accelerate efforts to build the cultural safety within mainstream services, but not at the detriment of building the ACCO sector."
Associate Professor Woods said the project aimed to tackle what researchers describe as a "gap within the gap" in health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations Elders.
"These resources will be shaped by the voices, priorities and lived experiences of Stolen Generations survivors," Associate Professor Woods said.
"We want to address the 'gap within the gap' of health and wellbeing outcomes for our Elders."
Researchers hope the project will lead to meaningful improvements in aged care services across Australia, ensuring Stolen Generations survivors receive care that recognises their histories, respects their experiences and supports their wellbeing.
Earlier this year, the federal government announced the 2026-27 budget would exempt survivors' redress payments from means testing in residential aged care.
Furthermore, the Healing Foundation — an organisation amplifying the voices of Stolen Generations survivors and their families — will receive up to an additional $1 million to support its work, including community-led and trauma-informed programs, whilst a one-off funding boost of up to $1.6 million will be provided to the eight Link-Up service providers.
